Linking Leaders - December 2018

DECEMBER 2018

We’d love to hear what you’re doing with your girls!

Send us an email or post on Facebook! Feel free to contact marcomm@gssef.org with comments, pictures or ideas. All of the Linking Leaders issues are archived on the Training page for easy reference.

IN THIS ISSUE SPOTLIGHT Volunteer Spotlight.................................................................................2

PROGRAMS AT A GLANCE Mall Madness.........................................................................................3 Harlem Globetrotters Girl Scouts Night ...................................................3 #BeHealthful ..........................................................................................4 We Heart Welaka ......... ..........................................................................4 S.M.A.R.T Cookie ....................................................................................5 Destinations 2019- 2020 ........................................................................5 Earth Defenders . ...................................................................................6 Fall Product Program .............................................................................6 It’s Cookie Time! .....................................................................................7

Giving Tuesday is This Tuesday................................................................8 VTK: Tips, Tricks, and Sips ......................................................................8 Thin Mint Sprint .....................................................................................9

MEMBERSHIP Membership Update........................................................ ......................10 Cookie Gear – Get it Here! ......................................................................11 For All Your Holiday Shopping Needs ......................................................11 2019 Cookie Activity Pins .......................................................................11 Don’t Forget Your Daisy Dollars ...............................................................11 Our Retail Stores....................................................................................12

CALENDAR Dec/Jan.................................................................................................13

ADULT & LEADER HIGHLIGHTS

Mark your Calendars!

CALENDAR

JAN

MEMBERSHIP

ADULT & LEADER HIGHLIGHTS

SPOTLIGHT

PROGRAMS AT A GLANCE

Happy Investiture/Rededication! ............................................................8

Submit Troop or Volunteer News here!

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DEC

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SPOTLIGHTS

MARTHA AND ALLAN STOLLBERG Girl Scouting has been an integral part of Martha and Allan Stollberg’s lives for over 35 years. They have been involved since 1983 when their daughter was bridging from a Brownie to a Junior and no one stepped up to become the leaders of the troop – so they did! Their daughter continued on in the program and even received her Girl Scout Gold Award.

Martha and Allan are staples of the Aquarius Service Unit Team serving in many capacities such as Council Delegates and Adult Recognitions Chair. They were also active in the Volksmarches that used to be run by council. Volksmarching is a non-competitive fitness walking program. They have both received the Thanks Badge and were one of the first families to receive the Family Award.

Martha has traveled to Our Cabana and served on the Women’s History Committee, crossed the Bridge for the 100th Anniversary of Girl Scouting, and both have attended Sojourn in Savannah three times. In addition, they have attended convention multiple times including the G.I.R.L Convention this past year.

Currently they are retired and enjoy spending their free time traveling.

When asked why they are still involved in Girl Scouting even though they no longer have a daughter involved they stated, “We believe in Girl Scouting and the values it helps to convey to children. It gives the girls wonderful opportunities to develop and grow.”

Thank you for all you do, Martha and Allan!

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PROGRAMS AT A GLANCE MALL MADNESS Ready? Set? ROCK! Registration for Mall Madness opens in just 8 days! That’s right – 8 days! Set a reminder for Monday, December 3 at 10 a.m. for VIP and 11 a.m. for General Admission to get your tickets!

You are not going to want to miss out on this rockin’ good time at the Pembroke Lakes Mall, so make sure you are as prepared as possible to get your tickets. Last year’s VIP and Pink groups sold out almost instantly in less than 4 minutes!

Confirm that all of your girls and adults who will be attending are currently registered and that you know your MyGS password - you’re going to need to be quick to score VIP status!

VIP Rock Star admission is limited to just 500 registrants and your cost of $40 includes an exclusive entrance to access the mall one hour earlier than the rest of the crowd, an express shopping pass to select stores, priority access to sign up for a Battle of the Bands with Rock 101, and an exclusive 2019 VIP Mall Madness patch.

General Admission is $30 and includes the 2019 Mall Madness participation patch.

There will be photo booths, a DJ, face painting, caricatures, shopping, a Hall of Fame scavenger hunt, Battle of the Bands, contests and prizes, SWAPs, and more - it’s going to be legendary!

This event will take place on February 23 - 24 from 10 p.m. - 5 a.m. Please note that this is a lock-in event and you will not be permitted to leave until 5 a.m. (except Daisies who will now have the option to end the show early at 1 a.m.). Adult-to-girl ratios will be strictly enforced as this is not a drop-off event. Mall Madness is open to girls of all grade levels and female adult members only.

For questions and more information, please contact Lisa Poe at lpoe@gssef.org.

HARLEM GLOBETROTTERS GIRL SCOUTS NIGHT The Harlem Globetrotters are heading to Ft. Lauderdale! Girl Scouts will have the unique opportunity to meet the stars before the show and sit in a special Girl Scout section! Be one of the first to sign up to earn a chance to meet an inspirational female Globetrotter before the game and take a group photo with the team.

Every Girl Scout who attends receives a free Harlem Globetrotters patch!

Cost is $33.00 per ticket and everyone will be seated in Section 203.

Location: 3301 College Ave., Davie, FL 33314 Date and Time: December 7, 2018 - 6:30 - 9:00 p.m.

Girl/Adult ratio is required.

Register here.

For additional questions, contact Eden Weiss at eweiss@gssef.org.

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PROGRAMS AT A GLANCE

To Register and for more information contact Eden Weiss.

#BEHEALTHFUL #BeHealthful - Registration closes in one week!

Daisies, Brownies, and Juniors can take advantage of this one-of-a-kind program that will offer them a sneak peek into a variety of healthcare professions and give them the tools to build a healthy lifestyle for themselves and the people around them. Help your girls spark their interest in potential career paths while they dive head first into badge-building workshops with Baptist Health South Florida’s very own doctors, nurses, and nutritionists. #BeHealthful Presented by: Baptist Health South Florida Saturday, December 08, 2018 9:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

Coral Springs Charter School 3205 N University Drive, Coral Springs, FL 33065 $18 for girls and $5 for adults (Girl price includes a program patch, Strong Girls Healthy Kids patch and a grade level specific badge) Registration closes for this program on December 3, so be sure to sign up today to secure your spot!

WE HEART WELAKA We love that you love Welaka just as much as we do! This event is sold out and we can’t wait to spend the day exploring and having adventures with you while enjoying all that makes Camp Welaka unique and special.

If you did not get a chance to register for We Heart Welaka and still want an opportunity to make some amazing camp memories, head to our Activities Calendar to see all the not-to-be-missed events happening at camp. There is truly something for everyone, whether you are new to camping or an outdoor pro!

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PROGRAMS AT A GLANCE S.M.A.R.T. COOKIE It’s time to get S.M.A.R.T. - Savvy, Motivated, Artistic, Responsible, and Technical - at GSSEF’s newest signature program, S.M.A.R.T. Cookie presented by Panera Bread/Covelli Enterprises!

Registration is now open for this incredible expo-style event at the Palm Beach County Convention Center. Girls of all grade levels, adults, and leaders will gain the skills necessary to be successful in the upcoming Cookie Sale Program and beyond! Local businesses and our own cookie experts will share their extensive knowledge and lead hands-on activities that will get you S.M.A.R.T. while also fulfilling cookie and financial literacy badges.

Learn from the business pros such as Panera Bread/Covelli Enterprises (Presenting Sponsor), The UPS Store (Money Management/Technical Sponsor), Consolidated Credit Solutions (Steward Sponsor), JoAnn’s, Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office, Forgotten Soldiers Outreach, UBS Financial Services, and more.

You also won’t want to miss out on all the fun with our DJ, cookie character races, contests, and games!

She’s already smart. Now let’s get her S.M.A.R.T. by arming her with all that she needs to be successful in everything she does now and in the future!

Date: Saturday, January 12, 2019 Time: 9 a.m. - 12 p.m.

Location: Palm Beach County Convention Center, Ballrooms A, B, and C, 650 Okeechobee Blvd., West Palm Beach, FL 33401 Cost: $20/girl (includes patch!) and $10/adult Questions? Contact Eden Weiss at eweiss@gssef.org.

REGISTER TODAY!

DESTINATIONS 2019-2020 Hurry! You have less than one week to apply for 2019-2020 Girl Scout Destinations!

Girl Scout Destinations are the ultimate adventure for individual girls ages 11 and older! With different trips every year, there’s something amazing for everyone. Pack your bags full of life-changing experiences and make friends from all over the country as you travel with Girl Scouts from different states.

Explore what Destinations have to offer! To apply, visit the new online application.

The deadline to submit your online application is December 1, 2018. For questions or more information, contact Mica Minor at mminor@gssef.org.

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PROGRAMS AT A GLANCE

EARTH DEFENDERS Wow! Our G.I.R.L.s did an amazing job making the world a better and greener place this October by defending Earth! With nearly 2,000 girls registered, you all truly helped to make a difference and we could not be more proud of the passion and leadership demonstrated by all those who participated.

From beach cleanups, to protecting animal habitats and conserving resources – you all demonstrated that Girl Scouts really do think green.

Stay tuned to hear about the impact you all have made with your service projects!

FALL PRODUCT PROGRAM The Fall Product online sale has closed and now is the time to CELEBRATE your achievements as a troop! Thank you to all who participated. We hope everyone had fun and gained some savvy financial literacy skills along the way!

Make sure you have deposited all of your funds into your troop account in preparation for the ACH Payment Sweep on November 28. Please help us to ensure that all the girls get the rewards that they worked so hard for by confirming you have sufficient funds in your troop account!

Important Dates: November 28: Fall Product ACH Sweep: full payment.

November 29: Last Day to review and enter reward choices, t-shirt sizes, and final custom patch design for girls.

December 5: Winners of the Pupp-errific Painting Party will be announced.

December 15: Pupp-errific Painting Party celebration.

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PROGRAMS AT A GLANCE

IT’S COOKIE TIME! The Girl Scouts are warming up their ovens in preparation for going BOLD this 2019 Cookie Season! The Cookie Sale is right around the corner and we want to welcome you to another year of this awesome financial literacy program for girls! Here are some important dates for you to mark on your calendars: December 1 - Cookie season begins and you may start promoting the Cookie Sale!

December 1 - Volunteer/Leader access to Digital Cookie email will be sent. Leaders please review troop rosters for accuracy.

December 8 - Parent access to Digital Cookie email will be sent. Parents may start setting up their girl site.

December 12 - Cookie initial orders are DUE! Make sure to select your preferred delivery time and location after you place your initial order!

December 21 - January 1 - Council is closed.

January 12 - S.M.A.R.T. Cookie Program!

January 19, - 21 - Cookie initial order delivery weekend.

January 22-23 - Girls may walk-about and deliver pre-ordered cookies to neighbors, family, and friends.

January 24 - February 17 Cookie Sale!

February 6 – Bail-Out Day from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Please check with your Service Unit first as they may have better local alternatives BEFORE coming to BailOut. Girls can earn $0.03, $0.06, or $0.09 more per box based on Service Unit Goals and your troop will greatly benefit if you reach out to your Service Unit Product Sale Manager!

February 12 – ACH withdrawal #1 (initial order partial payment).

February 26 – ACH withdrawal #2 (final payment on ALL cookies owed).

March 2 - Reward choices due.

All Leaders must be trained by their Service Unit in order to participate and get all program materials for this year.

Your Service Unit Product Sale Manager is your main contact and problem solver for this program. Have additional questions? We are here to help! Please email us at cookies@gssef.org.

Here’s a sneak peek at this year’s Cookie Friend! The clouded leopard is the smallest of the big cats and lives in Southeast Asia. They are unfortunately endangered due to deforestation, hunting, and the pet trade. Help your girls learn more about this incredible animal by clicking here.

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ADULT & LEADER HIGHLIGHTS HAPPY INVESTITURE/REDEDICATION! It’s Investiture/Rededication time! We want to take a moment to give a special welcome to our new Girl Scout leaders and welcome back our returning leaders. Your volunteerism continues to allow us to build girls of courage, confidence and character, who make the world a better place. We are so happy to have you as part of our family!

GIVING TUESDAY IS THIS TUESDAY,NOVEMBER 27! ’Tis the season for giving; Giving Tuesday is just around the corner! As the big day approaches we know you will be called upon to give to a variety of organizations. We are asking that you save the date and consider giving to our council during this nationwide day of charity.

Here at GSSEF we want to give ALL girls in our community the opportunity to grow with Girl Scouts and every $40 we receive will provide another girl with a year of membership. With any donation amount, you will be investing in the future of our girls and helping others receive the amazing opportunities that Girl Scouts has to offer. As November 27 gets closer, think about all of the reasons you love this organization and consider donating to GSSEF to give a girl in need the chance to blossom and grow within our tight-knit sisterhood!

Bookmark this special link to make your donation on November 27 and give the gift of Girl Scouts this holiday season!

VTK: TIPS, TRICKS, AND SIPS The Volunteer Toolkit (a.k.a. VTK) is a great resource for Troop Leaders.

However, like most volunteers, you have 1,000 things to do and getting “into it” just doesn’t fit into your schedule.

VTK: Tips, Tricks, and Sips is a casual get-together for Leaders at all gradelevels to come to our brand new, beautiful Broward County Retail Store.

This is great for meeting other volunteers, networking and getting into the VTK alongside a volunteer super-user! Bring your own tablet or laptop or simply use one of ours. See the “MyGS” community and VTK tabs in this hands-on get-together. You’ll see how the pre-populated Year Plans align perfectly to the National Badges and Journeys.

Register to join us on November 28 or December 15.

Saturday afternoon sessions will include a variety of iced tea, sodas with chips, dips and veggies. Evening sessions will include a red and white wine with cheese and fruit – and non-alcoholic beverage options. All sessions are reserved for adult volunteers only; children are not permitted. No Tagalongs permitted. Registration for any session is $3.00 per person. All participants will receive a return-and-shop coupon for 15% off your entire future purchase.

For questions, please contact Jodi Potter at jpotter@gssef.org.

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ADULT & LEADER HIGHLIGHTS THIN MINT SPRINT Have you heard the news? Thin Mint Sprint is back for April 2019 and registration is now open!

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Join us for another year of having fun while breaking a sweat as we sprint for Thin Mint cookies and support building girls of courage, confidence, and character who make the world a better place! Everyone who finishes this chip-timed 5K race will not only receive a box of one of Girl Scouts’ most beloved cookies, but you will also receive one of the coolest finisher medals of all time to add to your collection!

This event is open to the public and there is something for everyone of every age. We will have a Tagalong Trot for kids 8 and under (not a chip-timed race) as well as awards for our 5K racers in many different categories. There will be a photo booth, face painting, and more! Registered Girl Scouts under the age of 18 will also receive an exclusive 2019 Thin Mint Sprint patch OR an I Beat the CEO patch if they beat our CEO, Lisa Johnson’s, race time.

We also have a couple of new details to share with you! If you want to run (or walk!) with us in Broward County, you will now join us at our new location of Tradewinds Park in Coconut Creek to race to the finish line. However, our location in Palm Beach County will remain the same at Okeeheelee Park in West Palm Beach, and our location on the Treasure Coast will also remain the same at Halpatiokee Park in Stuart.

There is also a new way to engage your entire network of friends, family, co-workers, neighbors, and everyone else you know to connect with our important mission – and you can earn yourself a free exclusive 2019 Thin Mint Sprint t-shirt in the process! Simply fundraise at least $30 by asking your network for a small donation to support your efforts to provide the life changing experience of Girl Scouts to even more girls. Just ask 6 friends for a donation of $5 and you will have already met your $30 goal! You can fundraise on your own or collectively with a team. Every person who raises at least $30 will receive a t-shirt to wear with pride.

April 6, 2019: Tradewinds Park, Coconut Creek April 7, 2019: Okeeheelee Park, West Palm Beach April 13, 2019: Halpatiokee Park, Stuart Get a head start and register today! You can even save on race fees by registering early – prices increase after March 10 at 11:59 p.m.! $20 for Registered Girl Scouts $30 for the general public and Virtual Racers $15 for Tagalong Trot participants (kids 8 and younger) Questions? Contact Danielle Crouch at dcrouch@gssef.org.

A special thank-you to our Presenting Sponsors: Duffy’s Foundation and Publix Super Markets Charities, Major Sponsor: Panera Bread/Covelli Enterprises, and Steward Sponsors: LaCroix Sparkling Water and Singing Machine.

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MEMBERSHIP MEMBERSHIP UPDATE We hope you had a happy Thanksgiving! We here at GSSEF can’t express the amount of thanks that we have for each of our volunteers. Because of you, our council is GROWING! You’ve been able to share the Girl Scout experience with so many girls in our community and for that, we are ever thankful. . . thankful that we are able to continue to build girls of courage, confidence, and character.

With membership efforts in full swing, we continue to increase our visibility in the community. As of November 12, 2018, we have met 65% of our overall council membership goal!

December marks a very important time for GSSEF and we need your continued support to meet the needs of our girls. We are dedicated to achieving 75% of our council goal by December 15, 2018 and have worked with Service Units to ensure that they also meet the same benchmark locally.

With that, all Service Units that achieve 80% of their goal by December 15, 2018, will receive a GSSEF Retail Store Gift Card in the amount of $200. Some Service Units have already met and exceeded this benchmark--WAY TO GO! Keep an eye out for the next issue of Linking Leaders to see which Service Units have embraced our Unleash Strong, Be A Girl Scout! campaign.

October 15, 2018, was a very exciting day as it marked the end of our first round of Service Unit membership incentives. All Service Units that achieved 75% of their membership goal by October 15 earned one free camp amenity (excluding the Wibit) for their upcoming Camporee. Congratulations to Everglades, Jupiter, and Magnolia Service Units on their accomplishments of this goal -- and they are still growing!

Check in with your staff Recruiter of Service Unit Leadership regularly to see how much progress your area is making towards bringing Girl Scouts to all girls in our community--no words can describe how amazing it feels.

Want to help us grow?

12,000

The Member Engagement Team is looking to strengthen and support our Recruitment Teams throughout the year. We are looking for dedicated individuals seeking ways to participate with GSSEF in new and exciting ways.

5,000

10,000 8,000

4,000

6,000

64% of 4,000 Goal

3,000

2,000

2,000 Goal 11,200 GIRL MEMBERSHIP

New member recruitment is vital to our growth at GSSEF and we would love to build our team with more excited and dedicated volunteers to assist in the area of recruitment and serve as school liaisons.

68% of Goal

Goal 5,300

ADULT MEMBERSHIP

Maybe you’re already involved with your school and have an opportunity to share Girl Scout information with them or are able to be a point of contact for any new families interested in Girl Scouts.

There are so many opportunities for you to help us grow and ensure the Girl Scout experience is made available to all girls in our community. We’ll give you all the tools you need to find success!

For more information, please contact Lammy Askar, Director of Member Engagement, at laskar@gssef.org.

Girl Membership as of 11/12/18: 7,172, 64% Girl Goal: 11,200

Adult Membership as of 11/12/18: 3619, 68% Adult Goal: 5,300

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MEMBERSHIP

COOKIE GEAR – GET IT HERE! Now you can get everything you need all at once to prepare you for your biggest, most successful cookie sale ever! The All-In-One Cookie Gear kit comes complete with a cookie cart, money pouch, rollabana, two cookie pins, and a car magnet. You get all of this for just $49.99 – a $10 savings!

Want to take your cookie booth to the next level? We have new cookie tablecloths that will be sure to help you stand out! Get yours now for just $19.99.

FOR ALL YOUR HOLIDAY SHOPPING NEEDS The mall isn’t the only place to find great gifts for everyone on your shopping list this holiday season! Make sure to check out the GSSEF Retail Stores to get those wish list items for all the best Girl Scout gear and more. We even have Christmas ornaments available for 20% off to deck those halls – but only until December 20!

Check out these great gifts that will definitely make someone on your shopping list smile. And the best part? We have lots to choose from for under $20!

2019 COOKIE ACTIVITY PINS The cookie activity pin is an earned award that is worn to show participation in Girl Scout Cookie Program activities. Cookie Program activities are outlined in the Cookie Activity Guide. The pin(s) are awarded each year in a different color. The 2019 pin color is fuchsia and is diameter, has a clutch back, and is lead free brass You can pick yours up in the GSSEF Retail Stores for just $2.00.

DON’T FORGET YOUR DAISY DOLLARS Next time you shop at either of our Retail Stores be sure to pick up a Daisy Dollars punch card. These cards are our way of giving back to our frequent shoppers!

For every $10 you spend you will get a punch on the card (up to two punches per purchase, per day) that will lead to $10 off in store for a fully punched card.

Restrictions apply, for use in store only.

Daisies D ol la rs

Daisies D ol la rs

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MEMBERSHIP

OUR RETAIL STORES Palm Beach County Retail Store 1232 West Indiantown Road, Suite 105 Jupiter, Fl 33458 Phone: 561.427.0197 councilshop@gssef.org

GSSEF Pop-Up Shop – Broward County 7403 NW 57th Street Tamarac, FL 33321 Phone: 954.739.7661 councilshop@gssef.org

Hours: Monday: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Tuesday: 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.

Wednesday: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Thursday: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.

1st and 3rd Saturdays: 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Closed Friday and Sunday

Hours: Monday: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Tuesday: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Wednesday: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Thursday: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.

1st and 3rd Saturdays: 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Closed Friday and Sunday

Don’t forget that council headquarters and the Retail Stores will be closed December 21 – January 1. But not to worry! You can still shop online 24/7/365 days a year at www.gssef.org/shop.

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CALENDAR 2018

DECEMBER S

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FEBRUARY JANUARY

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Gold Award Workshop Tequesta

Mall Madness 3 registration opens

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We Heart Welaka 1 In-Store Puppet Fun

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GSSEF 21 Council Closed for Winter Break 21-31

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Initial orders for cookies are due

#BeHealthful

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Adult Training Archery Certification VTK: Tips, Tricks, and Sips

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JANUARY S

FEBRUARY

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GSSEF 1 Council Closed for New Years Day 6

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S.M.A.R.T. Cookie

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Initial cookie order delivery weekend 19-21

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23 The Cookie 24 25 26 20 22 21 Sale begins

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